Come gli scarafaggi del sit-in di Jantar Mantar si tengono occupati

At Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, a historic astronomical observatory turned political hub, a unique form of activism has taken root. Young protestors, members of the Cockroach Janta Party, have established a sit-in that has become both a symbol of resistance and a makeshift community. Among them is Tanya Thakur, a 17-year-old volunteer who travels daily from her sister’s home in Malviya Nagar to participate in the protest. Her routine includes distributing water bottles to fellow demonstrators, picking up litter, and borrowing books from left-wing student groups. She also spends time chatting with other young protestors, finding solace and camaraderie in their shared cause.

Thakur, who recently completed her schooling in Himachal Pradesh, moved to Delhi to join the protest. Aspiring to become a chef, she chose to align herself with the Cockroach Janta Party, a movement that initially began as a satirical social media campaign. Now, it has grown into a significant force, organizing protests in at least eight major Indian cities. The party primarily draws support from young individuals frustrated with the Modi government’s handling of critical issues such as the administration of medical college entrance exams and government job placements.

The protest began on June 6 at Jantar Mantar, with the decision to transform the second protest into a sit-in made on June 20. Since then, approximately 150 protestors—many traveling from distant cities—have been present at the site at any given time. Scroll.in visited the location multiple times to understand the motivations behind the protest and how the participants sustain their efforts.

Thakur explained that her involvement stemmed from personal experiences. One of her close friends traveled from Chandigarh to Kullu for the NEET exam, only to face the cancellation of the test due to a paper leak. This incident deeply affected Thakur, prompting her to join the protest against perceived governmental corruption. Despite her lack of faith in opposition parties, she remains committed to raising her voice against systemic issues affecting students.

Her dedication is evident in her nightly presence at the protest site. After sunset, she arrives at Jantar Mantar and stays until dawn, returning to her sister’s home in Malviya Nagar. She finds comfort in the vibrant atmosphere of the sit-in, describing it as far from dull. The evenings are filled with singing protest songs and engaging discussions, offering a contrast to the relatively quiet environment of her hometown in Himachal Pradesh.

Another participant, Vivek Kumar, a 19-year-old from Bihar, shares similar sentiments. Although he has been unable to pursue higher education due to family responsibilities, he has found purpose in the protest. Kumar emphasizes the importance of education for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly those affected by paper leaks. His commitment to the cause is reinforced by the support system within the protest, including regular food supplies and access to basic amenities like showers at nearby religious sites.

As the sit-in continues, the focus shifts to broader societal issues. While some protests target specific policies, such as the ethanol-blending mandate, the Cockroach Janta Party remains centered on educational reforms and accountability. Political analysts like Tehseen Poonawalla have organized demonstrations against the government's E20 fuel policy, advocating for consumer choice and transparency. These protests highlight the diverse range of grievances that fuel contemporary activism in India.

Despite differing focuses, the underlying theme of dissent remains consistent. Whether addressing issues of corruption, environmental policies, or economic disparities, the protestors at Jantar Mantar represent a growing segment of youth seeking change. Their presence underscores the evolving landscape of political engagement in the country, where traditional avenues of protest intersect with modern digital campaigns.

Looking ahead, the future of these movements depends largely on sustained public interest and governmental response. With each passing day, the sit-ins at Jantar Mantar serve as reminders of the complex interplay between grassroots activism and national policy. As the dialogue continues, the outcomes remain uncertain, but the persistence of these young protestors ensures that their voices will not be easily silenced.